Council
20 September, 2024
No voting required for Yarriambiack election
Yarriambiack voters will be able to put down their pens for another four years, with the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) announcing that ballot packs will not be required for any of the shire's three wards in the upcoming council election.
Nominations closed on Tuesday September 17, and, as the number of candidates is the same as the number of vacancies in each ward, the six people nominated will run unopposed and will be declared elected councillors on October 25.
Following redistribution by the VEC last year, Yarriambiack Shire will be represented by six councillors instead of seven - Hopetoun and Dunmunkle each retain two councillors, but Warracknabeal will see its representation cut from three to two.
Warracknabeal residents and current councillors Karly Kirk, 48, and Kylie Zanker, 52, will be representing Warracknabeal Ward for the next four years.
Both said how much they had enjoyed the role in previous years.
“I enjoy seeing community projects and community members reach a goal, and advocating to get a fair share in childcare, kindergarten and health services,” said Ms Zanker, who is currently serving her third term as mayor.
“I’ve just started getting the hang of it,” Ms Kirk said.
“There's plenty to do and I'm still interested, and I feel like a voice for the community.”
Patchewollock’s Andrew McLean, 64, and Hopetoun’s Chris Lehmann, 63, will return to represent Hopetoun Ward.
“I have an interest in local government and the projects ahead, and want to be on hand to represent the people of the shire,” Mr Lehmann said.
“I’ve been on council for 16 years,” Mr McLean said. “I’d like to continue supporting the community.
“There are some difficulties ahead as we weigh the pros and cons of wind farming and sand mining at the moment.”
Minyip’s veteran councillor Corinne Heintze, 64, is being joined in Dunmunkle Ward by newcomer Melinda Keel, 52, from Murtoa.
“There's unfinished business,” Ms Heintze said.
“We've got challenges with renewable energy and mines, and I would like to see more projects ticked off. I enjoy the challenge.”
Ms Keel said she was keen to nominate.
“It is important to continue to have a representative for the town,” she said.
“The time is right for me to step up and give back to the community, and have a go.”
Victorian local governments were placed in "caretaker mode" on September 17, which restricts actions and decisions which could be seen to influence voters or which could have a significant impact on the incoming council.
While the current councillors are still undertaking their day-to-day duties, there have been significant changes to their access to council information and resources, and their communications.
CEO Tammy Smith has assumed additional responsibilities to cover any procedural gaps during the election period.